Former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Sofapaka begin the second leg against AFC Leopards on Wednesday in a top of the bill encounter at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The two teams begin the second leg in the same way they ended the first one with a clash between them that ended in favour of Sofapaka who won 2-1.
Last season, the two teams evened out each other with Sofapaka winning the first leg and Leopards claiming the second leg.
Looking at history therefore, Leopards should collect all three points against Sofapaka on Wednesday but unfortunately this league has not been about past performance and the match could therefore go either way.
Leopards midfielder Bernard Mangoli has admitted as much insisting that the match will not be decided by history.
“It is a different scenario. When we look at the last five games, we have not been at our best and so it is difficult to say whether we can beat Sofapaka again,” said Mangoli.
Leopards started the season on a high going more than team matches unbeaten but the bubble burst in the last five matches with losses to City Stars and Sofapaka capping a bad end to a good start.
Mangoli, however, believes the team is capable of getting a positive result on Wednesday and says the players are motivated to go for glory well aware that it could mark a turn around to their season.
“That draw against Sony Sugar last week was a bad result for us. It interfered with our goal to go top of the league. Now we have another chance to make up and keep in touch with the leaders and we intend to take maximum advantage,” said Mangoli.
He said the team is not under any pressure going into on Wednesday’s match. Sofapaka captain James Situma said they are determined to open a wide gap between themselves and Leopards and winning on Wednesday will be a major boost for them.
“It is always exciting to play big matches and this is as big as they can be. We are all looking forward to get a positive result well aware that it will greatly increase our chances of winning the league,” said Situma.
